Nearly $150,000 to go to two Cape organizations to combat homelessness

Ask Steve Williams if the nearly $150,000 in federal grant money Cape Girardeau got to combat homelessness this year is the most it has ever received and his response suggests that it wasn't even close.

"It is the most ever, ever, ever, ever, ever," said Williams, the city's housing assistance coordinator. "In fact, if you add up all the years together and it probably isn't that much."

On Monday night, the Cape Girardeau City Council authorized that the heftier federal funds again go to two organizations -- the Salvation Army and the Safe House for Women -- to help some find lodging and others on the brink of homelessness from going over the edge.

The city received $142,333 from the Missouri Department of Social Services Emergency Shelter Grant, said department spokesman Seth Bundy, with about two-thirds going to the Salvation Army and the rest going to the Safe House for Women, he said.

The Safe House for Women will receive $47,681 to provide money for maintenance, utilities, food and other expenses. The remainder, $94,651, will go to the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau to provide emergency shelter services and prevention programs -- and $47,000 of that will be set aside for utility assistance for low-income households.

Some city council members suggested that the more sizable grant came at a good time, considering that the city recently raised sewer rates by an average of $20 a month to help pay for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.

The council considered a city-funded utility assistance program this summer, but the idea was abandoned after a public outcry against using tax dollars for it.

"We're very pleased about this," said council member Loretta Schneider, who acted as mayor pro tem Monday night due to the absence of Harry Rediger. "The timing couldn't have been better. We're hoping this will help a lot of people who need it."

The state gave out about $1.46 million in grants statewide from money it received from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money is intended to be used to provide the homeless with basic shelter and essential services. The money is also intended to provide short-term homeless prevention assistance to people at risk of losing their houses due to eviction, foreclosure or utility shut-offs.

All Williams was told was that federal stimulus money came in unexpectedly and that the city could apply for up to $150,000 -- and it got nearly the full amount.

"We asked for more because it was there, because we could get it," Williams said. "When there's that kind of money for a cause like this, we don't ask questions."

'It's just so great'

Those who work with the two organizations said they were pleased to see such an increase to help fight what they described as a real problem.

Last year, for example, the city received $29,360 after applying for the maximum $75,000. This year, the Salvation Army is getting four times more than it did last year and the Safe House for Women is getting more than six times what it received in 2010.

"It's just so great," Salvation Army case manager Tina Rodgers said. "We really should be able to help a lot more people. With the cost of living going up, we should be able to prevent people from becoming homeless and help some of the ones who already are."

The Salvation Army helped 211 low-income families made up of 131 adults and 80 children with rent and utilities. It helped 658 adults and 261 children with temporary lodging, she said.

But families must qualify, she said, providing proof of income that shows they make less than $28,200 for a family of four. To qualify for utility assistance, a shut-off notice must be provided, she said.

At the Safe House, executive director Linda Garner said the $47,681 will be used for maintenance at the 22-bed facility that has been put off for several years. Windows need to be replaced, she said, and new appliances are needed. The facility for battered women and their children needs paint and the building needs weatherized. She also noted that the women at the Safe House meet the HUD definition for homeless.

"We're excited to have these extra funds to do some projects we've not had the cash to take care of," she said. "I don't know if this type of money will continue next year. But, either way, I'm extremely happy about this year."

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO